Ever Wonder What Wolf Blitzer Does in His Spare Time? Take a Peek Behind the Curtain (Without Getting Shouted At by Don Lemon)!
Let's face it, folks, we've all dreamt of peering into the magical land of cable news. A place where teleprompters whisper secrets, makeup artists work miracles, and anchors maintain an unwavering poker face even when reporting on the weather (seriously, how do they do it?).
Well, fret no more, curious news aficionado! Because, for a fleeting moment in time, you too can become a fly on the wall (or should we say, a fly on the newsdesk?) at CNN in New York City. But before you pack your fanny pack full of emergency puns for Anderson Cooper, there are a few things to know.
Hold on Now, Didn't Those Tours Get Discontinued Like, a Decade Ago?
You, my friend, are partially correct. Back in the day, CNN offered tours in both Atlanta and New York. Sadly, the Atlanta tour met its demise (R.I.P. glimpses into Wolf Blitzer's natural habitat), but the New York version is alive and kicking!
So, How Does This Whole Behind-the-Scenes Shenanigan Work?
Here's the skinny:
- The Tours Are Still Happening: That's right! You can snag a spot on a 50-minute guided tour that takes you through the heart of the CNN beast (we assume there's no actual beast, but hey, it adds flair!).
- Location, Location, Location: The tours take place at the CNN Studios located in the swanky Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle. Fancy!
- Seeing is Believing (But Probably Not Anderson Cooper Having Lunch): Expect to see the newsroom in action, get a glimpse of the control room (where the real magic happens, or at least where they frantically switch between footage of breaking news and cat videos), and maybe even catch a glimpse of a news anchor in their natural environment (hopefully not mid-rant about a rogue teleprompter malfunction).
Important Note: While there's always a chance you might see a news personality, sightings aren't guaranteed. They're busy folks, after all, and chances are they're not waiting around to autograph your CNN tote bag (although, that would be pretty sweet).
Alright, Alright, I'm Sold. How Do I Get on This Tour Bus (Metaphorically Speaking)?
Here are the key things to remember:
- Check the Schedule: Tours run daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always a good idea to double-check the schedule before you head out.
- Get Your Tickets: You can usually purchase tickets online or at the venue itself. Just be aware that tours can fill up, so snag those tickets in advance if you're set on a specific date and time.
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling fancy, you might be able to score discounted tickets through certain websites or travel passes. Do some digging and see what you can unearth!
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to get to the CNN Studios in New York?
The studios are located at the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle (10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019). Public transportation is plentiful in this area, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting there.
How long is the tour?
The tour is a brisk but informative 50 minutes.
How much does the tour cost?
Ticket prices can vary depending on the time of year and any discounts that might be available, but generally, they fall in the mid-range price category (think museum ticket prices).
Can I take pictures on the tour?
Yep! Snap away (but be mindful of not interrupting any broadcasts or news anchors in the zone).
Is this tour appropriate for kids?
Absolutely! The tour is a great way to spark an interest in current events and give kids a glimpse into the world of television news. Just be sure to manage expectations – it's not a playground, and loud outbursts might get you the stink-eye from Jim Acosta (though, that would be a story to tell your friends!).
